May 2026 was an exceptionally rich month for the Fondacio family. Between major international meetings, face-to-face reunions, spiritual reflections and calls for urgent solidarity, one conviction was confirmed: our movement is alive, rooted and turned towards hope.
CHARIS: the cry of the Earth and the cry of the most vulnerable
Friday, May 1, 2026 marked the official opening of the first International Conference of the CHARIS Human Promotion Commission, hosted at the Sichem Center of Fondacio, in Kpomé-Dzogblakopé, Togo.
More than 160 people from 15 countries—from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas—gathered to understand and take action. In this place deeply marked by a vision of integral ecology and human transformation, a strong conviction emerged: the cry of the Earth and the cry of the most vulnerable are intimately linked.
But all is not yet lost. Together, we can still act and do things differently. This time of communion, discernment, and commitment has revealed a Church in motion, rooted in reality, yet turned towards hope.
Generation Leaders: coming together to grow together
On May 4th, participants in the Generation Leaders program met in person in Sichem, Togo — after several months of remote training. A precious week to reconnect, deepen the bonds forged, and continue to grow in what truly calls to them.
Little by little, something beautiful and strong is being built: a generation that chooses to be grounded, conscious, and at the service of others. A generation that believes a more humane and just world is possible, and that is committed to it.
Spiritual reflection: The Ascension, an inner journey
Nicolas Cordier offers us a beautiful meditation for this month of May:
The Ascension may not tell the story of Jesus' departure to another place. Rather, it speaks of a transformation of his presence. Jesus disappears from the sight of his disciples not because he withdraws from the world, but because he ceases to be present as before. He is no longer before them. He becomes an inner presence. Breath. Depth.
The angels bring the disciples back to earth: "Why do you stand here looking into the sky?" An invitation to seek Christ not in distant heights, but in life — in the breath that lifts up, in the love that restores, in the brotherhood that resists fear and withdrawal.
The Ascension then becomes an opening of being: no longer a God above us, but a Breath within. No longer a climb towards heaven, but a presence that now permeates all of existence.
Patron Saints for World Youth Day Seoul 2027
The Local Organising Committee for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 has officially selected five patron saints to accompany the spiritual preparation for this great global gathering: Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Andrew Kim Taegon and his companions, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Saint Josephine Bakhita and Saint Carlo Acutis.
These figures have survived war, slavery, displacement, and even the digital age. Their journeys resonate directly with the daily lives of young people today and remind us of an essential truth: holiness is not an unattainable ideal, but a concrete path, achievable in the heart of the modern world.
IFF America: Seeds of the Future
The IFF America team had a busy month, with several highlights:
- The welcome of Mexican trainees for the Internship Social Internacional, who will work alongside the Comedor Solidario Andacollo, the Fundación Hogar de Cristo and the Municipality of Huechuraba.
- The co-organization of the "Semillas de Futuro" event with Núcleo Humanitario and UMA Consultores — a space for reflection on the future we want to build together.
- A conference-activation "El regalo de tu Vocación" which brought together more than 1,300 young people around the question of meaning and calling.
Myanmar: A glimmer of hope for young people
In the face of a persistent humanitarian crisis and civil war, Fondacio Myanmar continues to be a beacon of hope through its Young Lives program. Its Youth Leadership Development Program, implemented in collaboration with the Myanmar National Youth Commission, offers adolescents a space for training, dignity, and a possible future—even in the face of adversity.
Fondacio at the Vatican: a relationship of trust
Cécile was present at the Vatican for the annual meetings with the moderators of associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements and new communities, organized by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. The theme this year: "Serving, accompanying, guiding: Fundamental principles and practices of governance in associations."
Accompanied by Gabriel Amouzou and Marc Bezançon in Rome, Fondacio was well represented. In the Vatican corridors, Cardinal Farrell and Linda Ghisoni of the Dicastery expressed their delight at the relationship of trust with our co-presidents Cécile and Benoît, and affirmed their confidence in Fondacio's future.
Young Lives in Colombia: Young people transforming their school
As part of the Young Lives program of Fondacio Colombia, 15-year-olds are supported in their social service through training on self-knowledge, personal development, harassment prevention and life project.
At the end of this program, the students designed concrete projects to address the needs of their school and have a positive impact on their educational community. This is a great example of how every young person, when supported, can become an agent of change.
A spectacular finale to the 9th edition of the public speaking competition
The awards ceremony marked the close of the 9th annual oratory competition in a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. After the spelling and general knowledge rounds, the Kouvahey-Sito team triumphed over Fa de l'Abnégation, thus securing the title of champion for this edition. This highlighting moment showcased the talent, perseverance, and excellence of the finalists.
Beyond the crowning of the winners, this ceremony was a time of recognition for all participants, each receiving an award in recognition of their commitment and efforts. The organizers also acknowledged the support of the public, coaches, and partners, whose contributions greatly contributed to the success of this memorable final.
GRPP meeting: discerning together online
On May 29, 2026, the members of the Country and Project Leaders Group (CPLG) met online for a meeting filled with sharing and fellowship. The meeting opened with a time of prayer based on the story of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), inviting everyone to reflect on: What is Jesus inviting Fondacio to see more clearly in its mission today? This spiritual moment, offered in three languages—French, English, and Spanish—set the tone for a day rooted in faith and mutual listening.
The roundtable discussion on Fondacio's involvement in human development formed the core of the meeting, moderated by François Prouteau, Jérôme, Laurence, and Douglas. This was followed by small group sharing sessions, a true space for conviviality and fraternal exchange, before a final presentation to the larger group. The session then continued with a lively presentation of the new Ethical Charter—an internal document structured around six fundamental commitments—through an interactive quiz that generated considerable enthusiasm and energy among the participants.
The meeting concluded with the announcement of the venue for the next Congress, scheduled for Esvière in 2028. The issues of governance, amendments to the statutes, renewal of members, and consultation for the renewal of the term (GAD) could not be addressed and will be dealt with at a later date. See you at the next Congress to continue this exciting journey together!
Emergency: Ebola in the DRC — children in need of protection
At the OSSEA Centre in Fondacio, Democratic Republic of Congo, already vulnerable children are facing a new threat: the Ebola epidemic. The teams on the ground are fighting to maintain a safe, educational, and humane environment despite the emergency, but they need our help.
Medical soaps, masks, disinfectants, protective equipment... Every donation, however small, can protect a child.
👉 To support the DRC Ebola emergency: helloasso.com/associations/fondacio
